When to Use Sleep Medication

At various times in our lives, we may find ourselves struggling with getting - and staying - asleep. For some people, simple changes in schedule and establishing a strict bedtime routine is all that is necessary to cure their sleeping problems. Others find that eliminating caffeine from their diet and getting a bit more exercise works fine. If all of these and other methods fail, though, sleep medication may be in order.

If a lack of decent, healthy and restful sleep is creating problems in your life, the only viable option may be to look into sleep medication. Finding the right sleep medication can be tricky; there are a lot of options out there. However, you can discuss options with your doctor to find out which sleep medication is right for you.

Knowing when sleep medication is needed

Knowing when to take a sleep medication can be tricky. On the one hand, you don't want to suffer any longer than you have to. On the other hand, you don't want to take medications unless they are absolutely necessary. Before taking any kind of sleep medication, you should try different strategies to eliminate your sleeping problems.

There are many solutions available, ranging from dietary changes to getting more exercise to establishing a strict bedtime routine. There are also special CDs and sound machines that you can try using in the bedroom to help lull you off to sleep - though there is less reported success with this method. If no other techniques work then sleep medication is probably the best choice. If your life is being negatively impacted then sleep medication should absolutely be considered to make it more pleasant again.

Types of sleep medications

Sleep medication falls into many different categories. The kind that ultimately ends up working for you depends on your specific sleep problem and your individual response to the medication. It is usually best to start off trying a herbal sleep medication, as it is safer, and in ways more effective than prescription medications.

Sleep medication risks

As with any kind of medication, there are risks involved with many types of sleep medication. The fewest risks are associated with natural, herbal remedies, however. Those kinds of sleep medication tend to be very mild and carry very few side effects. Over the counter kinds of sleep medication can cause problems like excessive sleepiness - you may fall asleep easily at night, but waking up can be difficult.

Prescription sleep medication can make you groggy all day long, completely counteracting any benefit the extra sleep has afforded you. Some people are especially susceptible to using sleep medication of any kind; such people simply do not respond well to sleep medication and usually have a very hard time finding a kind that suits them well. Knowing the risks of sleep medication can help you make a better choice all around.

Best sleep medication

Finding the best sleep medication is not easy. Most people end up experimenting with and trying out a variety of different options before settling on something that is effective for them. You can skip over a lot of frustration by first trying a gentle, natural sleep medication that contains proven ingredients that have worked for others.

Melatonin

Melatonin is one thing that you should always look for in an effective natural sleep medication. It is a naturally occurring compound in the body and when its levels get low, sleep can be difficult.

5-HTP

Another important ingredient to look for in a natural sleep medication is 5HTP. 5HTP is a natural ingredient that is found in the most effective kinds of sleep medication.

By using a product with melatonin and 5HTP, you are much likelier to achieve success. To see which sleep aid ranked the highest, read our reviews.